X8 Drums Blog

Drumming ensembles can be found around the world, in all cultures and throughout history, each defining the history and beliefs of the countries from which they were born. While many have enjoyed the popularity of West African drums or Latin rhythms, there is a growing interest in an ancient form of ensemble drumming descending upon us from the East – Taiko drumming. Japanese Taiko drumming refers to the ensemble-style drumming that is both rhythmic and visual, all in one multidimensional exper …

Back in the heated days of July, a video of a true Golden Girl surfaced from a music store, depicting a Grandmother who would surely be a contender for the Hit Like a Girl contest. According to tubefilter.com, this amazing lady just walked away with a prize for her quarterly drum solo from the JukinVideo Video of the Year contest. Mary Hvizda just walked away with top honors and a few thousand dollars for being the Grandma we all wish we had. Read more here: The Drumming Grandma Wins Jukin Video …

The tambourine is one of the best examples of how a percussion instrument can evolve and change with the times and the needs of the musician. This simple instrument has been a staple of music and various ceremonies in ancient Rome and Greece, as well as in the Middle East. Tambourines were not only used in a religious context, but, were also used in military bands before entering into the modern music scene. A tambourine is essentially a frame drum that has metal jingles or small cymbals attach …

Drumming can often find itself in the strangest forms, especially when a drummer has no drum. In this YouTube video, a djembe drummer replaces his drum with a set of glasses filled with water. By recreating djembe rhythms on the glasses, the unique, melodic vibe of the drum is still evident, showing that there is just no stopping the beat once it gets moving. …

In the last three years, one drumming contest has been striving to expose women for the hard-hitting, creative and talented drummers they are, leading female drummers into the spotlight and encouraging more women and girls to take on the drumming challenge. According to hitlikeagirlcontest.com, video entries will be accepted January 24, 2014 – February 28, 2014 in two different age groups. Winners will be selected by judges and the public and will be announced on April 4, 2014. Read more here: H …

Including music and arts programs in schools is important for a well-rounded education, but, perhaps there is more to learn than an appreciation for creativity. Huffington Post recently posted a blog by a drummer who not only cites the overall brain boosting power of drumming, but, also contends that through drumming and rhythm, a greater ability to solve problems can be honed. Since drumming is the interpretation of complex rhythm, timing and patterns, it stimulates the brain and creates a dyna …

Every drummer wants to develop his or her own personal style. Sometimes, this involves combining different genres, or blending techniques learned though the pursuit of hand percussion mastery. However, one drummer has developed her own, truly unique drumming style that embraces the world of martial arts as well. This nunchuck drummer shows that no matter the style of music or lack of regular drumsticks available, the beat must go on. …

The old advice about how to relax and combat stage fright may have just found a place in the shadows. No longer are performers, speakers, musicians, drummers and actors encouraged to breathe deeply and picture audience members in stages of undress. Huffington Post reports that a new study has shown that the connection between excitement and anxiety may be the ultimate answer for those with stage fright. This study claims that when a person is nervous about being in front of an audience, he or sh …

Beginning to drum is always an exciting journey, no matter the type of drum a person is drawn to. Choosing the perfect djembe drum or building the ultimate drum set can be a personal journey, or, the thoughtful gift of a friend or family member can start a person on the drumming adventure of a lifetime. So, the next step is to start playing the drum. Tapping out a few rhythms alongside favorite songs can start those rhythmic vibes flowing, but, what do you do to actually learn how to drum? Simpl …

The low, hum of the didgeridoo is one of the most unique sounds in the world. This instrument has a long history and continues to delight and enchant musicians and percussionists today, as well as those who are involved in music therapy and wellness settings. Didgeridoos define a culture that is still a mystery today for many. These instruments were originally the product of eucalyptus trees that had been hollowed out by termites, and are typically cut when still alive, giving the instrument the …